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How old should your book be? The length of a book depends on the genre and intentions of the writer. If you want to self-publish, it doesn’t matter how long your book is or isn’t, because you’re in full control. But if you’re looking for a traditional New York publisher, here are some guidelines on how long a book should be.
Please note: these are generalized guidelines for genre fiction only. There are always exceptions to the “rules”. Be sure to do your own research based on your unique needs and goals. These lists of subgenres are substantial but not entirely inclusive. There are always many ways to combine genres.
How long is a fantasy novel?
A fantasy novel contains approximately 80,000 to 100,000 words.
Fantasy novel subgenres include: alternative history, bangsian fantasy, comic fantasy, contemporary fantasy (urban fantasy), dark fantasy, fairy tale fantasy, heroic fantasy, high fantasy, historical fantasy (Celtic fantasy, steampunk, wuxia, fantasy medieval, prehistoric). fantasy), youth fantasy, low fantasy, manners fantasy (mythical fiction), romantic fantasy, science fantasy (sword and planet, dying earth), superhero fantasy, sword and witchcraft, and more.
How long is a romance novel?
A stand-alone romance novel (single title) contains between 80,000 and 100,000 words. Romance categories (such as those posted by Harlequin) are generally brief. Each impression has a specific word count. If you want to write for Harlequin, first identify your footprint.
Romance novel subgenres include: Adventure Romance, African American Romance, Category Romance (aka “Series”), Girl Lighting, Contemporary Romance, Dark Fantasy, Erotic Romance, Erotica, Fantasy, Futuristic Romance, GLBT Romance, Romance gothic historical romance, inspirational romance, interracial romance, mainstream, military romance, multicultural romance, mystery / thriller, paranormal romance, regency romance, single title romance, suspense, sweet romance, time travel romance, traditional romance, urban fantasy, female fiction, WWII romance, young adults, and more.
How long is a historical fiction novel?
Historical fiction novels generally have between 85,000 and 100,000 words, although some are longer.
Historical fiction novel subgenres include: alternative history, historical fantasy, historical romance, sagas, sword and sandal, historical police novel, subgenres pertaining to the time (such as Renaissance, medieval, Civil War, World War II, etc. .) and more.
How long is a mystery novel?
Mystery novels vary in length between 75,000 and 100,000 words. If the mystery has elements of suspense, the book can be longer. If the mystery is “cozy” or part of a series, it may be shorter.
Mystery novel subgenres include: Amateur Detective Mystery, Court Drama, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Fantasy, Hardcore Mystery, Historical Mystery, Medical Mystery, Police Procedure, Private Detective, Serial Killer Mystery, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Suspense , technical thriller, thriller, true crime, western, detective novel and more.
How long is a thriller novel?
A thriller can be between 90,000 and 100,000 words or more.
Thriller subgenres include: action thrillers, conspiracy thrillers, crime thrillers, disaster thrillers, drama, eco-thrillers, erotic thrillers, legal thrillers, spy thrillers, techno thrillers, and more.
How long is a horror novel?
Horror genre novels can include between 80,000 and 100,000 words.
Horror subgenres include: Body Horror, Slipstream, Dark, Detective, Erotic, Extreme, Ghost, Gothic, Lovecraft, Noir, Occult, Psychological, Silent, Supernatural, Surreal, Suspense, Bizarre, and more.
How long is a young adult novel?
Young adult (or young adult) novels can be 40,000 to 75,000 words long, depending on the target age group.
Young adult novels generally have the same subgenres as adult novels. Edgy YA tackles difficult or controversial topics.
How long is a western novel?
Western novels can be between 45,000 and 75,000 words long.
Western subgenres include: Coming of Age, Buffalo Racers, Celebrity, Detective, Fantasy, Goth, Horses, Indians, Inspirational, Land Rush, Law & Law Enforcement, Mining, Mormons, Highlanders, Mystery Rider, Railroads, romance, sci-fi, series, sweet and wild, the west still lives, city marshal, wagons of the west, and more.
